https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/39634 2026-04-04T04:01:31Z 2026-04-04T04:01:31Z Gatt, Anthony Bezzina, Alexia Saliba, Amanda Pace, David Farrugia Sant Angelo, Victoria https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1492 2020-05-28T12:25:38Z 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The rise of pertussis in Malta in 2011 : a case for adolescent and adult pertussis booster vaccination Authors: Gatt, Anthony; Bezzina, Alexia; Saliba, Amanda; Pace, David; Farrugia Sant Angelo, Victoria Abstract: Notwithstanding the high rates of pertussis infant vaccination coverage in developed countries, Bortedella pertussis infections are manifesting a changing epidemiological pattern of disease. Of notable concern is the rise of pertussis in adolescents and adults. This changing picture is largely attributable to waning immunity after natural infection or vaccination. The belief that pertussis is chiefly a childhood disease is a common misconception. A significant rise of pertussis cases in Malta in older age groups was recorded in 2011. The addition of an adolescent and/or an adult booster dose against pertussis should be strongly considered.

2013-01-01T00:00:00Z Said Conti, Valerie Azzopardi, Eugenio Parascandalo, Raymond Soler, Paul Attard Montalto, Simon https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1491 2020-06-04T11:50:58Z 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Overview of the blood transfusion policy in preterms on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Authors: Said Conti, Valerie; Azzopardi, Eugenio; Parascandalo, Raymond; Soler, Paul; Attard Montalto, Simon Abstract: Preterm infants on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit receive a greater number of red cell transfusions than any other hospitalised group. Over the past twenty years research has focused on setting standards to determine when it is necessary to transfuse packed cells in this cohort, whilst exploring the use of red cell growth factors and other substrates judiciously in order to reduce and/or avoid red cell transfusions and limit donor exposure. One hundred and eighty-one blood transfusions were administered to 106 preterms less than 35 weeks gestation on the NICU during 2009 in Malta. The median (range) volume of blood used from each bag supplied by the Blood Transfusion Department was 25.8mls (10-50mls), the rest of which was discarded. Risk factors for transfusion included Extremely Low Birth Weight (less than 1kg) and a gestation of less than 30 weeks. The blood transfusion guidelines presently in use on the local NICU were reviewed and compared with more restrictive guidelines on other units and suggestions made to reduce transfusions in line with these guidelines. A reduction in transfusion aliquots provided for neonates to just 50mls from the customary 250mls in a dedicated single-donor programme will safeguard limited health resources and minimise donor exposure.

2013-01-01T00:00:00Z Pullicino, Edgar https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1480 2020-05-26T11:46:09Z 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: When the gut leaks Authors: Pullicino, Edgar Abstract: Aspects of the structure, molecular biology and control of the tight junctions that regulate paracellular transport by the small intestine are reviewed so as to understand the limitations of intestinal permeability as a bedside tool to investigate diarrhoea. Examples of the altered structure and behaviour of tight junctions during abnormal permeability are used to gain insight into the pathogenesis of diarrhoeal diseases and potential new therapies.

2013-01-01T00:00:00Z Gauci, James Cuschieri, Sarah Vassallo, Mario https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1479 2020-06-22T08:34:48Z 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Portal vein thrombosis : a case report and literature review Authors: Gauci, James; Cuschieri, Sarah; Vassallo, Mario Abstract: A case report of Portal Vein Thrombosis (PVT) as a complication of protein S deficiency. PVT has been increasingly diagnosed over the years, particularly through the use of ultrasound-Doppler equipment. The lifetime risk of getting PVT in the general population has recently reported to be 1%.1 While this condition has traditionally been associated with cirrhosis or liver malignancy, it may also occur without any liver disease. The case report is followed by a discussion of the aetiology and clinical presentations of PVT, as well as a review of the investigations and management proposed in the literature.

2013-01-01T00:00:00Z